News

Hundreds of children with special educational needs (SEN) are completely missing from education in England, analysis suggests.

Children with SEN make up 22% of the 2,900 children not enrolled at a school or being suitably educated elsewhere – which is disproportionately high, as 16% of children in state education have SEN, the report says.

The headteacher at a school for children with dyslexia is calling for an exemption for specialist settings when VAT changes for private schools are introduced.

Disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND to receive support to progress their musical talent and interests.

There are calls for more teachers from diverse backgrounds in schools across the south-east of England for the benefit of all pupils.

A mother from Kent is hoping to launch legal action against government plans to change tax on private school fees.

Alexis Quinn, whose daughter is autistic, said adding VAT at the standard rate of 20% to fees will force many children with special educational needs into “unsuitable placements” in the state sector.

When teachers move from mainstream education to Special Educational Needs (SEN) education, it involves a significant shift in their professional role, responsibilities, and approach to teaching. This transition can be both rewarding and challenging. Here’s a detailed look at what this move entails and the considerations for teachers:

Hundreds of college and school heads have signed a letter asking the government to pause a decision on BTECs for at least a year.

The former Conservative government had planned to defund a number of level 3 qualifications, including BTECs, in August in favour of T Levels. This was paused by Labour so the party could conduct their own “focussed review”.

A decision is expected by December, which will be after many open evenings for the next academic year.

The Department for Education said: ‘The review will allow us to support students on vocational courses, roll out T levels and bring certainty to the sector.”

There are no quick fixes to problems faced by families with children with special educational needs and disabilities, the schools minister has said.

More pupils in England were off school without permission in the last week of the summer term than at any point in the academic year, official figures show.

The latest school attendance data shows 5% of pupils in England were off without permission in the week ending 19 July – around 450,000 pupils.

A 17-year-old boy who cannot start special school without further psychological assessment is being denied his right to education, his mother has said.